Shooting video on a Xiaomi Redmi 9T smartphone can become a real test if the frame constantly “shakes” with the slightest movement of the hands. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided a built-in electronic image stabilization (EIS) function that compensates for small vibrations and makes the video smooth. However, many users face difficulties: the stabilization button is inactive, the picture quality deteriorates after the feature is turned on, then it is not clear where to look for this setting.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to enable stabilization on the Redmi 9T, from basic camera settings to hidden MIUI settings. You’ll learn how EIS and OIS work (if supported), which shooting modes are best used for minimal jitter, and what to do if stabilization suddenly stops working. And we’ve also tested how much the feature affects video quality – the results may surprise you!
What’s the difference between EIS and OIS in Redmi 9T: Which is the best for video?
Before you turn on stabilization, it’s important to understand what type of stabilization your smartphone uses. The Xiaomi Redmi 9T is equipped with electronic stabilization only (EIS) — a software algorithm that cuts the edges of the frame to compensate for the jitter. Unlike optical stabilization (OIS), where the lens’ lens is physically shifted, EIS does not require additional mechanisms, but has its limitations.
Major differences:
- 🔍 EIS (Electronic: works by cropping the frame (lost part of the image), is effective at small vibrations, does not require hardware support.
- 🔄 OIS (Optical: Physically shifts lenses to compensate for shaking, retains full frame, but in Redmi 9T It is only available in flagship models of Xiaomi (for example, Mi 11 Ultra).
- ⚡ Hybrid stabilization: a combination EIS + OIS, It gives the best result, but in budget smartphones it is not used.
In practice, the EIS in Redmi 9T can handle hand tremors when walking or slow movements, but is powerless against sudden jerks (for example, shooting from a bicycle), and because of the cropping of the frame when the stabilization is enabled, the angle of view is narrowed by 5-10%, which is noticeable when shooting in tight spaces.
Where is video stabilization in the Redmi 9T camera settings
You can turn on stabilization on the Redmi 9T directly in the Camera app, but the path to setup depends on the version of the MIUI firmware and the camera shell installed.
- Open the Camera app on your Redmi 9T.
- Switch to Video Mode (the icon with the movie camera at the bottom of the screen).
- Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings in upper right corner.
- Scroll down to Stabilize Video (or EIS in some versions).
- Activate the switch. If the option is inactive, check the resolution of the video (more below).
If the video stabilization item is not on the menu, it means:
- 📱 You have custom firmware installed (unofficial version) MIUI).
- 🔄 You need to update the Camera app through Google Play.
- 🎥 The film is being filmed in a resolution that does not support EIS (for example, 4K@30fps on some versions of the software).
☑️ Verification before stabilisation
What video resolutions support stabilization on Redmi 9T
Not all shooting modes on the Redmi 9T are stabilizing compatible. The manufacturer limits EIS to maintain processor performance. Here's the compatibility table for a standard MIUI camera:
| Video resolution | Frame rate (FPS) | Support for EIS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4K (3840×2160) | 30 | ❌ No. | Too much workload for the processor |
| 1080p (1920×1080) | 60 | ✅ Yes. | The best balance of quality and stabilization |
| 1080p (1920×1080) | 30 | ✅ Yes. | Less frame trimming than at 60 FPS |
| 720p (1280×720) | 30 | ✅ Yes. | Minimal shivering, but low quality |
| Slow Motion (720p) | 120/240 | ❌ No. | EIS is disabled in slow motion mode |
If you're critically interested in video smoothness, go for 1080p@60fps, which is the mode in which EIS works best. You can use 720p@30fps to save space on your memory card, but the quality will be noticeably worse.
⚠️ Attention: When shooting in 4K Stabilization turns off automatically, even if it's activated in the settings. 9T.
Why Stabilization Doesn't Work: 5 Reasons and Solutions
If you have turned on EIS, but the video still shakes, check out these points:
- Incompatible resolution. As mentioned above, 4K and Slow Motion don't support stabilization. Switch to 1080p.
- Closed background processes. MIUI sometimes pauses the camera module to save battery. Close all applications through Recent before shooting.
- Outdated firmware. MIUI versions below 12.0.5 failed to stabilize. Update in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
- Damaged camera software. Reset the app settings: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the data.
- Third-party cameras (like Google Camera) may conflict with native stabilization. Try disabling EIS in the GCam settings or go back to the standard camera.
If the problem persists, try an alternative way to enable EIS through the engineering menu:
Enter the phone code in the app: ##4636##
Go to "Equipment Testing" → "Camera"
Check the status of the stabilization module (should be "Supported: Yes")⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can cause the camera to crash.Do not edit other settings unless you are sure of their purpose!
What if the MIUI update has been stopped?
How to Improve Video Stabilization on Redmi 9T without Additional Apps
Even with EIS on, video can shake if you hold your smartphone incorrectly or shoot in difficult conditions. Here are 5 practical tips to help make the shot smoother without buying stabilizers:
- 🤲 Hold your smartphone with both hands. Optimal grip: thumbs on the bottom, the rest support the body on the sides.
- 🚶 Use the "rule of step." When walking, place your foot at the same time you press the recording button, which synchronizes the movements of your body and your camera.
- 📏 Keep your distance. The closer you get, the more you shake. Step back 1-2 meters for better results.
- 🌅 Shoot in good light. In the dark, the camera raises the camera. ISO, This increases digital noise and makes it worse. EIS.
- 🎯 Focus manually. Autofocus can twitch when you search for an object, which increases the jitter.
Another life hack: turn on the grid in the camera settings (Settings → Grid) to help keep the horizon flat, which visually reduces the effect of jitter.
💡
If you need to capture video from motion (like walking), turn on 1080p@60fps and use the Google Photos app to stabilize after taking a shot. Google's algorithms often do better than the built-in EIS.
Comparison of Stabilization in Standard Camera and GCam: Which is Better?
Many Redmi 9T users are installing Google Camera (GCam) to improve photo and video quality, but how does this camera handle stabilization? We tested both cameras under the same conditions:
| Parameter | Standard MIUI camera | Google Camera (GCam) |
|---|---|---|
| Level of shaking | Medium (small vibrations are noticeable) | Low (better suppresses trembling) |
| Cutting the frame | ~8% | ~12% |
| Color rendering | Natural but dull | More saturated, contrasting |
| Work in 4K | EIS is offline. | EIS works (in some assemblies) |
| Autofocus. | Slow on the move | Quick, with a prediction. |
The bottom line: GCam delivers smoother video through aggressive cropping and Google's advanced algorithms, but for 4K, it's better to use a standard camera, because GCam can have artifacts at high resolution.
If you decide to install GCam, select builds that support Redmi 9T (such as from BSG or Wichaya developers).
- Open GCam, go to Settings → Video.
- Find Video Stabilization and select Ultra Stabilized.
- For better results, activate Motion Autofocus.
💡
GCam provides better stabilization, but requires manual adjustment and can conflict with MIUI. Before shooting important moments, test both cameras!